Course Outline
Introduction to the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015
• Overview of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015
• Purpose and objectives of the legislation
• Human rights and person-centred principles
• Importance of autonomy and dignity
Understanding Capacity
• Definition of decision-making capacity
• Functional approach to assessing capacity
• Presumption of capacity principles
• Capacity as issue-specific and time-specific
• Recognising factors affecting decision-making ability
Guiding Principles of the Act
• Respecting individual autonomy
• Supporting participation in decision-making
• Least restrictive intervention principles
• Importance of will and preferences
• Acting in good faith and for the benefit of the individual
Decision Support Arrangements
• Assisted decision-making agreements
• Co-decision-making arrangements
• Decision-making representatives
• Enduring powers of attorney awareness
• Role of the Decision Support Service (DSS)
Consent and Professional Responsibilities
• Understanding informed consent
• Communication and information sharing
• Supporting individuals in understanding decisions
• Documentation and record-keeping considerations
Safeguarding and Risk Awareness
• Recognising vulnerability and safeguarding concerns
• Balancing protection and autonomy
• Escalation and reporting responsibilities
• Professional boundaries and ethical considerations
Workplace Application and Best Practice
• Applying the legislation within healthcare and care settings
• Supporting service users respectfully and safely
• Communication approaches for capacity-related situations
• Maintaining dignity and rights-based practice
Capacity Awareness as an Ongoing Responsibility
• Promoting a culture of dignity and respect
• Maintaining ongoing legislative awareness
• Supporting organisational compliance and best practice
Who the Course Is For
This course is suitable for individuals working in environments where decision-making support, consent, safeguarding, or capacity awareness may arise, including:
• Healthcare Professionals
• Nurses and Healthcare Assistants
• Social Care Workers
• Disability Support Staff
• Residential Care Staff
• Mental Health Support Personnel
• Safeguarding Officers
• HR and Compliance Personnel
• Supervisors and Managers
• Community Care Workers
• Allied Health Professionals
• Residential and Nursing Home Staff
No prior legal training is required.
Why This Training Is Important
Rights-Based Practice
The legislation places strong emphasis on protecting the rights, dignity, autonomy, and preferences of individuals.
Legal Responsibility
Organisations and professionals must understand their responsibilities when supporting individuals who may have difficulties with decision-making capacity.
Safeguarding and Ethical Practice
Training supports safe, respectful, and legally compliant approaches to consent, communication, and decision-making support.
Compliance
Supports organisational obligations under Irish legislation and promotes consistent professional practice across services.
Course Objectives
Participants will:
• Understand the key principles of the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015
• Recognise how capacity is assessed functionally
• Understand decision support arrangements under Irish legislation
• Recognise the importance of consent and communication
• Identify safeguarding and ethical considerations
• Support person-centred and rights-based approaches
• Promote organisational compliance and professional accountability
Course Format & Delivery
Instructor-led training
Includes:
• Interactive discussion and case studies
• Scenario-based learning
• Practical workplace examples
• Rights-based practice discussions
Delivered:
• Onsite at client premises
The course focuses on practical understanding and workplace application rather than legal theory alone.
Irish Legislation Supported
This training supports organisational responsibilities under:
• Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015
• Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005
• Health Act 2007 (where applicable to regulated services)
Irish legislation and regulatory guidance require organisations to:
• Respect the rights and autonomy of individuals
• Support informed decision-making processes
• Maintain safeguarding and consent procedures
• Ensure staff understand capacity-related responsibilities
• Promote dignity and person-centred care practices
Why Choose Samson Training
Samson Training delivers professional workplace and healthcare-related training focused on practical understanding, safeguarding awareness, and organisational responsibility.
Our approach emphasises:
• Rights-based practice awareness
• Practical workplace application
• Clear understanding of legal responsibilities
• Real-world case discussions
• Professional and respectful learning environments
• Consistent, structured delivery
We position capacity awareness as part of broader organisational responsibility, safeguarding culture, and professional accountability.
FAQ's
What is the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015?
The Act is Irish legislation designed to support individuals in making decisions about their personal welfare, healthcare, and financial matters while protecting their rights and autonomy.
Who should attend Capacity Act training?
The course is suitable for healthcare workers, social care staff, disability support personnel, safeguarding professionals, and managers working with vulnerable individuals or service users.
Does the course explain consent and decision-making responsibilities?
Yes. The training includes guidance on consent, communication, supported decision-making, and professional responsibilities under the legislation.
Is this course suitable for healthcare and residential care settings?
Yes. The course is highly relevant for healthcare, nursing homes, disability services, residential care, and community support environments.
Does the training cover safeguarding responsibilities?
Yes. The course discusses safeguarding awareness, balancing autonomy with protection, and recognising escalation responsibilities.
